Greek Verse:

Literal Alternative:

I am teaching you the truth of truth. The fact is that the time begins and is now when the dead might hear the voice of the Son of God and the hearing might live.

Hidden Meaning:

The two key verbs in this verse, translated as "shall hear" and "shall live" are in a form that allows two different readings. Both can be read as in the future tense, as translated, but they can also be read a being in the subjunctive mood. Statistically, the form used is more commonly subjunctive than future.

The difference in meaning is a subtle one.

Subjunctive means that something might happen, not that it certainly will. Christ uses the subjunctive mood almost always when referring to the future, especially when referring to what others might do. He always seems to be allowing for freedom of action on the part of other people.

It should be noted that in the earlier verse regarding raising of the dead, Jhn 5:21, all the verbs were in the present tense, describing the giving of life as happening now, not sometime in the future. The subjunctive can refer to the present, past, or future.

This verse seems to be adding the idea that the hearing of the Son and the coming to life is a possibility for those now.

Vocabulary:

ἀμὴνἀμὴν "Verily" is from amên (amen), which is from the Hebrew, meaning "truly", "of a truth," and "so be it." It has no history in Greek before the NT.

ὅτιUntranslated is hoti (hoti), which introduces a statement of fact "with regard to the fact that" and acts as a causal adverb meaning "for what," and "wherefore." A form of hostis.

ἔρχεται (3rd sg pres ind mp) "Come" is from erchomai (erchomai), which means "to start," "to set out", "to come", "to go," and any kind of motion. It means both "to go" on a journey and "to arrive" at a place.

ὥρα "The hour" is from (hora), which means "any period", "season," (especially springtime), "year' (generally), "climate" (as determined by seasons), "duration", "the twelve equal parts into which the period of daylight was divided", "the fitting time" (for a task).

καὶ "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "but." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."

καὶ "And" is from kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "but." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even", "also," and "just."

ζήσουσιν (3rd pl fut ind act or 3rd pl aor subj act) "Live" is from zaô (zao), which means "to live", "the living," and "to be alive." It is a metaphor for "to be full of life", "to be strong," and "to be fresh."